In an exclusive interview, a prominent figure in the field of peace and justice, the former general secretary of National Council of Churches in Korea and former executive secretary for the Christian Conference of Asia, Rev. Hong-Jung Lee, shared insights into his journey and experiences working towards peace and justice in the Korean Peninsula. Drawing on his extensive experience and involvement in various ecumenical organizations, he shed light on the importance of healing, reconciliation, and the role of churches and Christians in advancing peace in Korea.
Becoming better stewards of Creation by killing off your church lawn? It sounds odd, but it is exactly what the Community United Church of Christ (UCC) in Fresno, USA, did. Facing increasing drought and water scarcity in their home state California, the congregation embarked on a project to drastically reduce their water use. Thanks to the massive support of volunteers, an entirely new, water-wise landscape was created that offers a lot to discover.
Major global faith-based organizations are responding to the G7 meeting in Hiroshima by expressing dismay that heads of state have failed to take steps to phase out fossil fuels and fund climate-related loss and damage. The groups are renewing their calls for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
“Tax justice is a matter of faith,” said Suzanne Matale. “By faith, [all] are entitled to abundant life. Ordinary people have a right to know and to participate in decision-making tables that affect our own God-given dignity.”
Leaders from specialized ministries who gathered for a high-level roundtable with the World Council of Churches (WCC) on 16 May reflected on how the ecumenical fellowship can tackle complex and difficult issues with theological reasoning and concrete actions.
As the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee meeting opened on 22 May, WCC central committee moderator Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm offered remarks focusing on what the church can do for a world facing multiple crises.
Alexandra Masako Goossens-Ishii works for an international Buddhist grassroots network, saying her advocacy work increasingly centres on agroforestry and agro-ecology, which meshes with her World Council of Churches (WCC) links.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) convened a high-level roundtable with heads of specialized ministries partners on 16 May. The leaders advised WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and provided input into the strategic direction of the WCC.
A daylong seminar, “Caring for the Earth, Transforming Lives: Linking Faith & Natural Regeneration” on 12 May convened in-person and online to harvest ideas on re-greening our planet.
Thirteen-year-old Ellyanne Chlystun-Githae Wanjiku, from Kenya, gave a clarion call during a 9 May webinar on climate responsible banking: “The children are not afraid to follow the money,” she said—and that means learning about responsible banking and influencing policy.
A global call for prayers and support for the Democratic Republic of Congo has amplified as floods and landslides left hundreds of people dead in South Kivu, a province in the east of the country.
An annual "Working Together” meeting, to be held 3-4 May at the World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, will draw together WCC staff with representatives from specialized ministries. Below, Rev. Nathan Day Wilson, WCC liaison to specialized ministries, reflects on why the meeting is important, particularly in the post-WCC 11th Assembly period.
A day-long seminar on 12 May, offered in a hybrid format, will help churches and faith-based communities respond more effectively to the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change.
Participating in a Ökumenetag (ecumenical day) in Karlsruhe, Germany, on 22 April, former World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Fr Ioan Sauca reflected back on the WCC 11th Assembly, and expressed deep gratitude to the host churches.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) co-organised an in-person side event at Civil Society Policy Forum of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington, DC. Participants shared critical civil society perspectives on reforming international financial institutions, the Bridgetown Initiative, and climate finance.
Br Richard first came across the Taize Community when he was a high school student growing up in Berne, Switzerland. After he finished high school, he served as a Taize volunteer for one month. “That month became one year—and then I stayed here,” he said with a smile.
World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep sadness at the sudden escalation of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
After persistently calling for dialogue to end violent anti-government protests, Kenyan religious leaders are welcoming President William Samoei Ruto and opposition leader Raila Amollo Odinga consultations, during which the two have agreed to tackle critical issues troubling the east African nation.
“Our two churches have more than 200 years of shared history in Europe and the United States. This full-communion agreement is one more sign of the beloved community that we so need in these times. Our partnership in addressing the challenges of climate change, supporting refugees, and racial justice binds us even more deeply to worldwide ecumenical efforts,” said Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church.
